Hydrogen peroxide stabilizer and resulting product and applications

ABSTRACT

Hydrogen peroxide is stabilized by the addition of tri-potassium phosphate. This enhanced product is environmentally friendly and can be used in a variety of odor and disinfection applications without hazard to people, plants and things.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of my prior co-pendingapplication, entitled HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STABILIZER, Ser. No. 60/355,601,filed Feb. 11, 2002; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to hydrogen peroxide and, moreparticularly, to providing an alkaline and stable mixture of aqueoushydrogen peroxide; and to the uses of this enhanced product.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Hydrogen peroxide is a known bleaching agent. In general, it issold as in solution with water, that is, it is an aqueous solution. As Iuse the term hydrogen peroxide hereinafter, I mean the aqueous solution.Normally, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water. In theprior art, an acidic material, such as phosphoric acid, is added to thesolution to extend its shelf life. Hydrogen peroxide is typicallystabilized with phosphoric acid and/or acetanilide. Acetanilidedecomposes under alkaline conditions to form materials which cancatalytically decompose hydrogen peroxide. It is desirable to have amixture which maximizes the bleaching speed (oxidation speed) of thehydrogen peroxide, while minimizing its rate of decomposition. Usuallybleaching speed is increased at the expense of increased decompositionrate. Bleaching speed and decomposition rate usually increase as the pHincreases. Therefore, it is desirable to have an additive which buffersat a high pH and acts as an effective stabilizer without compromisingits oxidation speed. In addition, it is desirable to have an activeagent whose oxidation power is just short of being able to bleach commondyes used to color fabric or destroy the fabric itself, but strongenough to bleach common stains such as food and drink. Generally, as thepH increases and the oxidation power increases, the ability to disinfectarticles also increases. A common example is sodium hypochlorite, whichis very alkaline and a strong oxidizer. Many odors can be reduced oreliminated with oxidation agents, but they are destructive to fibers,impart an unpleasant odor, and are toxic to the environment.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] I have invented a product comprising hydrogen peroxide andtri-potassium phosphate.

[0007] The product of my invention consists of three components:hydrogen peroxide; water as a diluent; and an alkaline phosphate,pyrophosphate, or polyphosphate salt. The salt acts as a stabilizer andaccelerator. In accordance with my invention, I want to maximizeoxidation.

[0008] Also, additional agents or conditioners can be added to increaseits oxidation speed.

[0009] Further, I have invented uses for this product, which areenvironmentally friendly, such as use as a bleaching agent, an odorcontrol agent, and a disinfectant. It can be applied for odor controland disinfection to an air handling system by introducing a productcomprising hydrogen peroxide and tri-potassium phosphate into the intakeof the air handling system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The product consists of three components: hydrogen peroxide;water as a diluent; and an alkaline phosphate, pyrophosphate, orpolyphosphate salt. The salt acts as a stabilizer and accelerator.Additional agents or conditioners can be added to increase its oxidationspeed.

[0011] It is preferred that all the components be free or have lowconcentrations of materials which can contribute to the decomposition ofhydrogen peroxide, such as organic matter, transition metals, and othermaterial.

[0012] The most preferred salt is tri-potassium phosphate. It provides ahigh level of stabilization to the hydrogen peroxide, while maintainingreasonable oxidation activity (bleaching action).

[0013] Pharmaceutical grade hydrogen peroxide (3.5% hydrogen peroxide towater by weight) yields the most stable activated hydrogen peroxide. Thebest formulation is: tri-potassium phosphate at 1 to 10 grams per literof 3.5% hydrogen peroxide. Four grams per liter is the most preferred.Higher concentrations of both components can be used, but the mixturebecomes progressively more unstable.

[0014] Typically, distilled water is mixed with tri-potassium phosphate.Hydrogen peroxide 35% is added to the resulting solution. One parthydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water is preferred. The product can be useddirectly or diluted with distilled or with de-ionized water.Alternately, to maximize storage life, the product can be packaged astwo separate components of stabilized hydrogen peroxide and watercontaining tri-potassium phosphate. These two components can be mixedprior to use, or applied sequentially.

[0015] Additional agents can be added to the product to enhance itsoxidation speed. Once applied, the product can be exposed to light orheat to accelerate the oxidation speed. These agents are favored becausethey can be employed at the point of application and do not addchemicals to the product; which means increased storage life and lesschemical residue. The best way to enhance effectiveness of the productis by simple evaporation after application. The hydrogen peroxideconcentration increases along with its activity, with minimaldecomposition.

[0016] In terms of chemical accelerators, potassium hydroxide is thematerial of choice. It increases oxidation speed of the product the mostwith the least amount of decomposition. These accelerators can becombined with the product, or applied at the point of use.

[0017] Other useful accelerators are potassium carbonate, sodiumhydroxide, sodium carbonate, ammonium hydroxide, and ethanol amine.

[0018] Product Compositions

[0019] In general, hydrogen peroxide concentration required for odorcontrol and disinfection is lower than that required for bleaching outstains. A hydrogen peroxide concentration of 0.1% up to 8% is sufficientfor many applications, without being corrosive or difficult to transportand store. High concentrations are useful, but less safe to handle.

[0020] The tri-potassium phosphate (stabilizer-accelerator) is added ata level sufficient to promote adequate stabilization and activity. Alevel of 100 PPM to 2,000 PPM for a hydrogen peroxide of about 4% issufficient. Concentrations may be modified individually for otherapplications.

[0021] Chemical accelerators should be added in amounts just sufficientto achieve the desired oxidation speed. This amount could be 10 timeshigher than the stabilizer-accelerator.

[0022] The water, stabilizer-accelerator, and optional chemicalaccelerator should be combined first, followed by the slow addition ofthe hydrogen peroxide. Cold and dark mixing and storage conditions arefavored.

[0023] Potassium saturated fatty acid salts can be added to enhance thedegreasing properties of the agent without harming the stability of theactivated hydrogen peroxide.

[0024] The tri-potassium phosphate can be added to the hydrogen peroxideas a dry powder to produce the activated hydrogen peroxide. It is moreconvenient to ship the dry powder.

[0025] Less preferred salts are: dipotassium phosphate, tetra potassiumpyrophosphate, potassium polyphosphate, disodium phosphate trisodiumphosphate, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, sodium polyphosphate, diammoniumphosphate, tri-ammonium phosphate, tetra ammonium pyrophostate, andammonium polyphosphate. These are functional, but less acceptable due toreduced stabilization, oxidation speed, odor acceptability, or tasteacceptability. These phosphate salts can also be formed in situ byreacting alkaline materials such as potassium hydroxide with thephosphoric acid stabilizer that is present in some stabilized hydrogenperoxide sources. Sodium salts can be toxic to some plants.

[0026] Alternately, a concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide 35% to 90%can be diluted with pure water or with pure water containing thephosphate salt stabilizer.

[0027] Distilled water or de-ionized water is the preferred diluent.

[0028] Methods of Application

[0029] In many cases, the product can be applied as a spray or fineaerosol. It is most effective when applied and allowed to dry at roomtemperature. The product becomes more active as the water evaporates andhydrogen peroxide becomes more concentrated. In many cases, no rinsingis necessary because of the low solid residue. In some cases, thetotally dissolved solids (TDS) level meets potable water standards. Inaddition, no organic soap residues are introduced; which could act asfood sources for odor causing bacteria, decompose into odiferousmaterials, or cause subsequent dirt to stick to the article beingcleaned.

[0030] The product is mild enough to be introduced into ventilation, airconditioning, and heating systems of airplanes, trains, cars, buses, andbuildings, while people are occupying these areas; to disinfect anddeodorize the air and system itself.

[0031] The product can be applied as a liquid to articles such astextiles, paper pulp, hair bleach and dye, as a tooth bleach, formouthwash, water disinfection, wash water, pools, saunas, and spas.

[0032] The application of light or heat accelerates the action of theproduct. These methods of acceleration are preferred over the additionof chemical accelerators, because they can be easily introduced at thetime of application and do not add to the residue level. The addition ofchemical accelerators such as potassium hydroxide should be added closeto the time of use to maximize the shelf life of the hydrogen peroxide.Chemical accelerators generally increase the activity of the hydrogenperoxide at the expense of increased hydrogen peroxide loss fromdecomposition into oxygen gas.

[0033] Specific Applications

[0034] Dry Cleaning, Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

[0035] The product is best applied as a pretreatment to carpets. In somecases, applying and allowing to dry is a sufficient procedure. Theaddition of chemicals may be desirable to accelerate the speed of theagent. The product has the benefits of being odorless, colorless,non-foaming, and disinfecting. It also removes stains, odors, dirt andoils without damaging the carpet or leaving a significant residue. Afterthe pretreatment, the carpet is preferably washed with distilled ordeionized water. The water is removed from the carpet with a vacuumdevice such as a carpet extractor. This further reduces the level ofresidues in the carpet.

[0036] Food, Agricultural Products, and Food Contact Disinfection andDeodorization

[0037] In many cases, it is desirable to disinfect food and food contactareas without affecting the taste of the food being handled. Presently,chlorine-based bleaches, such a chlorine, bromine, and iodine basedproducts are the accepted disinfection agents. All these materials canimpart a bad taste, are toxic, can produce toxic chemicals, or otherwiserender the food products unacceptable. Examples of these areas aredairies, bottling plants, canneries, meat processing, agriculturalproduct washing, food processing plants, and restaurants. The productcan be applied to these areas to reduce odor and increase the level ofsanitation without the risk of toxicity or imparting a bad taste to theitems, due to product residues. It can also be applied to a food itemitself.

[0038] Dental, Medical, Child Care, Geriatric Facilities, Hair and NailSalons

[0039] Odor control and sanitation control are a chronic problem inthese areas. The product is applied as needed with minimal risk oftoxicity or damage to materials, while providing odor control anddisinfection activity. The product is mild enough to apply to the skin,hair, and mouth areas without irritation or unpleasant taste. Iteliminates the unpleasant odors; and bleaches or disinfects withoutbeing toxic. The concentration of the product would depend on theapplication. Many hair dyes and bleaches contain nitrogen-basedaccelerators that are irritating, have an unpleasant odor that is toxic,or cause damage to the areas of contact. Many skin cleansers containmaterials that are considered toxic. This product is nontoxic and mild.

[0040] The agent can be used for cow teat and hand disinfection.

[0041] Plant Disinfection

[0042] Many plants are sensitive to the elements of chlorine, bromine,iodine, sodium, and boron. Those elements make them an unacceptable formof insect and disease control. This product contains only potassiumphosphate and hydrogen peroxide (which decompose into oxygen and water).All of these materials are considered essential for the growth ofplants. Therefore, any remaining residue can be used by the plant. Inaddition, tri-potassium phosphate acts as an excellent wetting agent toinsure thorough contact with the plant. This wetting action also killsmany insects.

[0043] Drinking Water Disinfection

[0044] In some cases, it is desirable to disinfect water withoutimparting an unpleasant taste, in such applications as drinking waterfor bottling operations, and remote site water disinfection. The productis useful in this application.

[0045] The agent will remove chlorine odor and taste from water andsurfaces.

[0046] Odor and Sanitation Control of Enclosed Areas

[0047] In many cases, it is desirable to remove odors and disinfectareas occupied by people or animals, such as hotels, cars, buses,airplanes, trains, hospitals, restaurants, restrooms, theaters, healthspas, swimming pool areas, kennels, pet stores, cat litter boxes, andthe like. The application of chlorine or ozone can be impractical in thepresence of people, due to their unpleasant odor and toxicity. Myproduct can be used without these disadvantages. Odors may includesmoke, skunk, mildew, mold, urine, fecal matter, decomposing organicmatter, body odor, and other unpleasant odors. In some case, microbesmay have colonized air conditioning systems or heating systems that havebeen allowed to remain cool during the warmer months of the year. Theseodors can be particularly apparent when the furnace is first turned onafter several months of being idle. These odors can be greatly reducedby introducing a fine spray of the product into the furnace or airconditioning (i.e., heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct)intake when the furnace is turned on. Air conditional odors can bereduced by introducing a fine spray of the product while the unit isrunning.

[0048] Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Textiles, Paper Pulp

[0049] The product can be applied as a spray or liquid. The treatedmaterial can be exposed to evaporative conditions, heat, or light toaccelerate the rate of bleaching (stain removal). In general,evaporation in the presence of light yields the best results for a givenamount of hydrogen peroxide. In cases where only odor removal isrequired, or minimal moisture is allowable, such as dry cleaning, higherconcentrations of hydrogen peroxide and an application as a fine aerosolis preferred.

[0050] Dealing with Applications Where Unpleasant Odors Are Strong

[0051] Portable toilets, toilets, restrooms, cat litter boxes, deadanimal areas, decaying organic matter, sewers, dumpsters, morgues,cleaning and food processing equipment, waste processing equipment, andoil processing equipment can benefit from application of my product. Inthese cases, where immediate odor elimination is the desired result, theproduct is applied as a spray or fine aerosol. Odor knockdown is rapid.

[0052] Positive Attributes of my Product

[0053] Removes stains;

[0054] Deodorizes;

[0055] Disinfects;

[0056] Useful in mold and mildew abatement;

[0057] Kills some insects;

[0058] Emulsifies to help remove oils and greases;

[0059] Removes dirt;

[0060] A mild bleach that is color safe towards many fabric dyes;

[0061] Odorless and does not create unpleasant odors when applied;

[0062] Colorless and clear;

[0063] Leaves no organic (soap, perfume, enzyme) residue;

[0064] Leaves only trace amounts of inorganic residue;

[0065] No perfumes;

[0066] Non-foaming;

[0067] Mild taste;

[0068] Does not impart an unpleasant taste to many foods andagricultural products;

[0069] Does not damage most materials;

[0070] Environmentally friendly, since it decomposes into plant food andwater;

[0071] Can be applied as an aerosol in the presence of people andanimals;

[0072] Good buffering at high pH;

[0073] Nontoxic to plants and animals; and

[0074] Good stability.

[0075] In addition, it provides the following benefits, at theconcentration in which it is applied:

[0076] Buffering action at high pH to ensure high oxidation activity;

[0077] Odorless;

[0078] Colorless;

[0079] Clear;

[0080] Acceptable taste at the concentrations in which it is applied;

[0081] Oil and grease emulsifier;

[0082] Non-foaming properties;

[0083] Dirt removing properties; and

[0084] Low toxicity to animals, plants, and the environment.

[0085] Post Treatment of Articles to Maintain Odor and Microbial Control

[0086] My hydrogen peroxide product is a useful “point of use”disinfection product. However, its life is limited when applied toarticles such as carpets. For long term microbial and odor control,application of acidic agents such as lactic or benzoic acid, aftercleaning of the article is completed, is very effective. Zinc compoundssuch as zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, zinc lactate, or zinc benzoate arealso useful in long term odor and microbial control after the articlehas been cleaned. These can be applied as a spray, fine aerosol, orrinse treatment. These agents are effective in preventing the unpleasantwet carpet smell as the article is drying. This smell is usuallygenerated by microbial activity.

[0087] Product Storage

[0088] The preferred method of storage is in a cool, dark area and invented containers.

[0089] Product Delivery

[0090] Fine aerosol, spray, or liquid. Vented containers, such as ventedspray bottles, are preferred.

What is claimed is:
 1. For use as a stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide,tri-potassium phosphate.
 2. For use as a stabilizer for hydrogenperoxide, a chemical selected from the group consisting of: alkalinephosphate; pyrophosphate; phosphate salt.
 3. For use as a stabilizer forhydrogen peroxide, a chemical selected from the group consisting of:dipotassium phosphate, tetra potassium pyrophosphate, potassiumpolyphosphate, disodium phosphate trisodium phosphate, tetra sodiumpyrophosphate, sodium polyphosphate, diammonium phosphate, tri-ammoniumphosphate, tetra ammonium pyrophostate, and ammonium polyphosphate.
 4. Aproduct comprising hydrogen peroxide and tri-potassium phosphate.
 5. Theproduct of claim 4 where the tri-potassium phosphate is in the range of1 to 10 grams per liter of 3.5% hydrogen peroxide to water by weight. 6.A product comprising hydrogen peroxide and a chemical selected from thegroup consisting of: alkaline phosphate; pyrophosphate; phosphate salt.7. A product comprising hydrogen peroxide and a chemical selected fromthe group consisting of: dipotassium phosphate, tetra potassiumpyrophosphate, potassium polyphosphate, disodium phosphate trisodiumphosphate, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, sodium polyphosphate, diammoniumphosphate, tri-ammonium phosphate, tetra ammonium pyrophostate, ammoniumpolyphosphate and water.
 8. A product comprising hydrogen peroxide inthe range 1 part of 35% hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water, andtri-potassium phosphate.
 9. The product of claim 8 wherein the water isdistilled water
 90. 10. A bleaching agent comprising hydrogen peroxideand tri-potassium phosphate.
 11. An odor control agent comprisinghydrogen peroxide and tri-potassium phosphate.
 12. A disinfectantcomprising hydrogen peroxide and tri-potassium phosphate.
 13. Adisinfectant that has an acceptable taste on food comprising hydrogenperoxide and tri-potassium phosphate.
 14. A method of applying a productfor odor control and disinfection to an air handling system comprisingthe step of introducing a product comprising hydrogen peroxide andtri-potassium phosphate into the intake of the air handling system. 15.A method of storing components for making a stabilized hydrogen peroxideby combining the components at a later date comprising the steps ofstoring an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide in one container andstoring water containing tri-potassium phosphate in another container.16. A product for the control of odor and disinfection using hydrogenperoxide, comprising hydrogen peroxide in a concentration in the rangeof 0.1% to 8% and tri-potassium phosphate.
 17. A method of increasingthe oxidation speed of a product containing hydrogen peroxide comprisingadding tri-potassium phosphate thereto.
 18. A method of cleaning anarticle with a product comprising hydrogen peroxide and tri-potassiumphosphate comprising the step of applying an acidic agent selected fromthe group consisting of lactic and benzoic acid to the article aftercleaning the article with said product.